The Freemasons Key. Masonic Symbolism. Albert Mackey. Joseph Fort Newton. Michael R. Poll

The Freemasons Key. Masonic Symbolism. Albert Mackey. Joseph Fort Newton. Michael R. Poll

 I'm enjoying "The Freemasons Key: Masonic Symbolism" edited by Michael R. Poll.

Symbolism is the language of Freemasonry. But what is symbolism? Why does Masonry use it? Who else has used symbolism? From the powerful pens of Albert Mackey, Joseph Fort Newton, Oliver Day Street, H. L. Haywood and more comes a wide selection of papers on the symbolic nature of Freemasonry, the Masonic method of teaching, as well as explaining the symbolism of the Masonic degrees. This is an indispensable work for anyone seeking to better understand Freemasonry and its practices.

https://amzn.to/3ZLphC0 

 

Zanoni. A Rosicrucian Tale. Edward Bulwer-Lytton

Zanoni. A Rosicrucian Tale. Edward Bulwer-Lytton

"Zanoni" by Edward Bulwer-Lytton was originally published in 1842. This edition is sold by Michael R. Poll at Cornerstone Book Publishers.


Before Orlando, before The Highlander, before the Elves in Lord of the Rings, before any and all fictional immortals, there was Zanoni. Through magical alchemical elixirs and the mysterious rites of the Rosicrucian Brotherhood, Zanoni has been gifted with immortal life; he chooses to sacrifice this gift for the love of a beautiful and gifted young woman, and the family he wishes to have. Along with other works of Edward Bulwer Lytton, such as "Vril:The Power of the Coming Race", Zanoni's deep archetypal and symbolic story has such a ring of Truth, that it influenced the New Thought and Theosophy movements of it's time, and in turn, has set the stage for the modern New Age movement, and resurgance of interest in the subjects of alchemy and physical immortality.

The True Masonic Chart, or Hieroglyphic Monitor. Jeremy Ladd Cross. Freemasonry

The True Masonic Chart, or Hieroglyphic Monitor. Jeremy Ladd Cross. Freemasonry

I'm reading through Jeremy L. Cross' "True Masonic Chart," one of the classic monitor books of American Freemasonry (originally published in 1819).
This edition is published by Michael R. Poll at Cornerstone Book Publishers.


A classic Masonic book. Cross' Masonic Chart, containing the Degrees of the Ancient York Rite as worked in the United States of America; arranged according to the Ancient Mode of Work and Lectures. Together with a historical sketch of the origin and progress of Free Masonry and a collection of Masonic songs, funeral service, etc. by William M. Cunningham. 2018 photographic reprint of the 1865 edition.

The Freemason's Monitor. Thomas Smith Webb. Masonic Ritual. York Rite

The Freemason's Monitor. Thomas Smith Webb. Masonic Ritual. York Rite

Informative reading on a quiet evening... the Great American Masonic Monitor. Thomas Smith Webb's work examines the Craft degrees and covers the York Rite up to the Knights Templar as well.
I just gave Preston's "Illustrations of Masonry" a cover to cover read, so Webb's "Monitor" seemed a natural progression.


Thomas Smith Webb's "The Freemason's Monitor" is the grand-daddy of all U.S. Masonic monitors. This very important work includes the "Ancient Charges;" an examination of the craft degrees and lectures; funeral, installation of officers and other lodge ceremonies; a study of all York Rite bodies up to the Knights Templar, a general Masonic history section and much more. This is a fascinating and important work for all Masons. Photographic and restored reproduction of the rare 1818 edition of this work along with a contemporary foreword by Michael R. Poll.

Illustrations of Masonry. 1772. by William Preston

Illustrations of Masonry. 1772. by William Preston. Freemasonry. Masonic Ritual

Throwback to the late 18th Century. Some historical reading material on a quiet evening. William Preston's "Illustrations of Masonry" should be on every Mason's reading list.

In a great measure, this work explained and taught Freemasonry to Masons around the world. So popular was Preston’s “Illustrations of Masonry” (originally published in 1772) that the author saw it published in twelve editions during his lifetime, as well as being translated into several languages. This is one of the true Masonic bestselling classics. This photographic reproduction of the 1867 edition contains valuable additions by noted Masonic author George Oliver and a contemporary foreword by Michael. R. Poll.

Origin of the Royal Arch. George Oliver. York Rite. Freemasonry

Origin of the Royal Arch. George Oliver. York Rite. Freemasonry

I reread the Royal Arch ritual and floor work for the first time in a couple years prior to a degree rehearsal last week (I'm helping out in a Royal Arch conferral in early December). When I got home, I figured I'd go through my bookshelves and reread a bit more on the history. I picked up this copy of George Oliver's "Origin of the Royal Arch" about 5 or so years ago from Michael R. Poll of Cornerstone Book Publishers.



This is a photographic reproduction of George Oliver's classic 1867 work on the history of the Royal Arch of Freemasonry. This work has long been considered a "must have" of all students of the York Rite.

The Masonic Pageant. The Scottish Rite Degrees of the Supreme Council, NMJ. by Frank Conway, 33°

The Masonic Pageant. The Scottish Rite Degrees of the Supreme Council, NMJ. by Frank Conway, 33°

The Scottish Rite, NMJ doesn't have an official monitor for the 4° to 32°. This unofficial book by Frank Conway, 33° seeks to fill some of that void and is a helpful resource for those going through the NMJ degrees. You could read it cover to cover, or you might just focus on the few degrees that are being conferred at a particular Reunion.

The Masonic Pageant is published by Cornerstone Book Publishers and features a nice foreword by Chris Hodapp, 33°. Link to purchase posted below.



The Masonic Pageant is a clearly written and easy to understand explanation of the Scottish Rite Degrees as worked by the Supreme Council 33º, Northern Masonic Jurisdiction. Frank Conway, Ph.D., 33º, MSA provides a long needed and extremely valuable resource to all Scottish Rite Masons of the NMJ. "This is a must read for all Scottish Rite Masons as it is enjoyable and educational simultaneously. This work meets the vision of the NMJ, as it is inspirational, enjoyable and convenient to read at one's leisure." ~ David A. Glattly, 33º, Sovereign Grand Commander, NMJ, AASR

Michael R. Poll. Editor of the Journal of the Masonic Society. by Travis Simpkins

Michael R. Poll. Freemason. New Orleans Scottish Rite College. by Travis Simpkins

Portrait Sketch of

Michael R. Poll

Freemason, Historian, Author and Educator

New Orleans Scottish Rite College

Cornerstone Book Publishers

Founding Fellow of the Masonic Society
Editor of the
Journal of the Masonic Society

by Travis Simpkins

Michael R. Poll - New Orleans Scottish Rite College

For more info, please visit:

cornerstonepublishers.com

Michael Poll. Cornerstone Publishers. by Travis Simpkins. Journal of the Masonic Society

Grand Lodge of Illinois. Book of the Year: "Measured Expectations" by Michael R. Poll

Grand Lodge of Illinois. Book of the Year. Michael R. Poll portrait by Travis Simpkins

     Congratulations to Michael R. Poll on his book "Measured Expectations" being named the Book of the Year by the Grand Lodge of Illinois. It is masterfully written, both informative and entertaining to read. And if you flip to the back cover you'll see an author portrait by yours truly.

From the Grand Master: "Masonry in Illinois is moving in a positive direction. To continue that momentum, I encourage each of you to review and then share some of the thoughts and ideas as presented in the Book of the Year for Illinois Masonry, 'Measured Expectations.' May we be Masons living Masonry each and every day." ~ M.W. Gregory L. Clark, Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Illinois

Order the book here:

cornerstonepublishers.com/measured-expectations

The Masonic Pageant: Scottish Rite Degrees of the Supreme Council, NMJ. by Frank Conway, 33°

The Masonic Pageant

The Scottish Rite Degrees 

of the Supreme Council, NMJ

by Frank Conway, Ph.D., 33°, MSA

Cornerstone Book Publishers, 2017

Notes by Travis Simpkins

     Altogether informative, entertaining and essential, The Masonic Pageant by Frank Conway has filled a vacant space within the educational experience of the Scottish Rite Degrees conferred by the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction. For a very long time there has not been a written companion to the material presented on stage in NMJ Valley Reunions. This long-awaited book both compliments and enhances the value of lessons that the NMJ instills to each candidate through a unique system of Degrees that differ from those of it's counterpart in the Southern Jurisdiction. Adhering to Masonic oaths, the book does not reveal the ritual itself but rather serves as a monitor and reference guide. Each of the Degrees (4° to 32°) is covered in three parts: The Stage Drama, Historical Background and a Comparison with the same number Degree in the Southern Jurisdiction. The text could certainly be read cover to cover, but I expect that it will prove most effective when explored and experienced one degree at a time, offering further insights into the profound moral lessons conveyed in person on stage. Also containing a brilliant foreword by Christopher Hodapp, this book is truly outstanding. It should be sought out by all new NMJ candidates and current members.

The Masonic Pageant. Scottish Rite Degrees, NMJ. Frank Conway: 5th Degree

The Masonic Pageant. Scottish Rite Degrees, NMJ. Frank Conway: 6th Degree

The Masonic Pageant. Scottish Rite Degrees, NMJ. Frank Conway: 9th Degree

The Masonic Pageant. Scottish Rite Degrees, NMJ. Frank Conway

The Masonic Pageant. Scottish Rite Degrees, NMJ. Frank Conway

The Masonic Pageant. Scottish Rite Degrees, NMJ. Frank Conway: 17th Degree

The Masonic Pageant. Scottish Rite Degrees, NMJ. Frank Conway: 17th Degree

The Masonic Pageant. Scottish Rite Degrees, NMJ. Frank Conway: 9th Degree

The Masonic Pageant. Scottish Rite Degrees, NMJ. Frank Conway: 12th Degree

The Masonic Pageant. Scottish Rite Degrees, NMJ. Frank Conway

The Masonic Pageant. Scottish Rite Degrees, NMJ. Frank Conway: 15th Degree

The Masonic Pageant. Scottish Rite Degrees, NMJ. Frank Conway: 16th Degree

The Masonic Pageant. Scottish Rite Degrees, NMJ. Frank Conway: 18th Degree

The Masonic Pageant. Scottish Rite Degrees, NMJ. Frank Conway: 19th Degree

The Masonic Pageant. Scottish Rite Degrees, NMJ. Frank Conway: 20th Degree

The Masonic Pageant. Scottish Rite Degrees, NMJ. Frank Conway: 20th Degree

The Masonic Pageant. Scottish Rite Degrees, NMJ. Frank Conway: 23rd Degree

The Masonic Pageant. Scottish Rite Degrees, NMJ. Frank Conway: 25th Degree

The Masonic Pageant. Scottish Rite Degrees, NMJ. Frank Conway: 26th Degree

The Masonic Pageant. Scottish Rite Degrees, NMJ. Frank Conway: 31st Degree

The Masonic Pageant. Scottish Rite Degrees, NMJ. Frank Conway: 32nd Degree

The Masonic Pageant. Scottish Rite Degrees, NMJ. Frank Conway

The Masonic Pageant. Scottish Rite Degrees, NMJ. Frank Conway

The Masonic Pageant. Scottish Rite Degrees, NMJ. Frank Conway

New Book: Measured Expectations by Michael R. Poll. Author Portrait by Travis Simpkins

Measured Expectations. by Michael R. Poll. Author portrait by Travis Simpkins

     I'm quite honored that Michael R. Poll has included my portrait of him on the back cover of his new book, "Measured Expectations." His writing is insightful, sincere and relatable. I have derived a great amount of valuable knowledge from his works over the past year and a half, both in printed and video form, so it is meaningful to see my work appear on a book of his. The book is now available to order through Cornerstone Book Publishers. 

Purchase "Measured Expectations" here:

cornerstonepublishers.com/measured-expectations

Measured Expectations. by Michael R. Poll. Author portrait by Travis Simpkins

Missouri Lodge of Research: Michael R. Poll Lecture Advertisement Features Art by Travis Simpkins

Michael R. Poll. Masonic Lecture. Missouri Lodge of Research. Portrait by Travis Simpkins

     W. Bro. Michael R. Poll will be delivering a lecture on the first three Degrees of Scottish Rite Freemasonry at the Missouri Lodge of Research on Saturday June 10, 2017. I was pleased to see that my portrait of him was used on the advertisement promoting the event. If you will be in the vicinity of Jefferson City, Missouri be sure to purchase your tickets in advance. 

For more info, please visit:

molor.org

"In His Own (w)Rite" by Michael R. Poll

In His Own (w)Rite

Papers on the Scottish Rite and

Philosophy of Freemasonry

by Michael R. Poll

Cornerstone Publishers, 2011

Notes by Travis Simpkins

     In His Own (w)Rite: Papers on the Scottish Rite and Philosophy of Freemasonry is a collection of well-presented essays. Like other Cornerstone books by Michael Poll, it is amongst the most sincere and relatable Masonic books I have had the pleasure of reading. In addition to being full of sound advice and thoughtful observations on Freemasonry in the current time, it contains valuable historical lessons gleaned from years of studying the unique background of Masonry in New Orleans. However, the true jewels of the text reside within the personal anecdotes of the author. Michael Poll is able to expound seemingly complex topics in the framework of everyday witty analogies.

     Beyond Scottish Rite history, the diverse scope of topics range from the Art of Change to overcoming the problems of Dyslexia. On a side note, many of these topics are also covered in video form on Michael Poll's YouTube channel for the New Orleans Scottish Rite College (also a valuable resource for all Masons). 

     One of my favorite chapters is "Integrity in Masonry." Within those pages are offered valuable insights into Masonic ritual and how it relates to life. Poll states, "If anyone has ever told us that being a Mason is easy, then they misled us. There will be times when we find it most difficult to live up to our teachings. But, as we are so often told, it is the journey that is most important, not the final goal."

     I also found pause for thought in the essay, "What is Truth?" Poll offers, "When our ego allows us to see clearly, we realize that Masonry is better than us. Masonry is not improved because of our membership; we are improved because of our membership."

In His Own (w)Rite. Michael R. Poll. Scottish Rite Freemasonry

In His Own (w)Rite. Michael R. Poll. New Orleans Scottish Rite College

In His Own (w)Rite. Michael R. Poll. Scottish Rite Freemasonry

In His Own (w)Rite. Michael R. Poll. Scottish Rite Freemasonry

In His Own (w)Rite. Michael R. Poll. Scottish Rite Freemasonry: Albert Pike

In His Own (w)Rite. Michael R. Poll. Scottish Rite Freemasonry

In His Own (w)Rite. Michael R. Poll. Scottish Rite Freemasonry

In His Own (w)Rite. Michael R. Poll. Scottish Rite Freemasonry

In His Own (w)Rite. Michael R. Poll. Scottish Rite Freemasonry: Cornerstone Book Publishers

In His Own (w)Rite. Michael R. Poll. Scottish Rite Freemasonry

In His Own (w)Rite. Michael R. Poll. Scottish Rite Freemasonry: Albert Pike

In His Own (w)Rite. Michael R. Poll. Scottish Rite Freemasonry

In His Own (w)Rite. Michael R. Poll. Scottish Rite Freemasonry

In His Own (w)Rite. Michael R. Poll. Scottish Rite Freemasonry: Albert Pike